This month’s Eat Well, Spend Less posts were all centered around saving money and eating healthy during the crazy summer full of travel, camping, vacations and the everyday schedules. Whether you’re planning to head to the lake or go somewhere tropical, we have the tips to make it as hassle free and doable as possible.
Here on Food for My Family, I offered up the little nuggets of wisdom I have on eating healthy amidst summer schedules. With the kids out of school and in summer sports, it can be challenging to get everyone fed without relying on fast food or convenience options. Last week we managed the zoo and a late morning walk and playground trip with our neighbor, complete with dried fruit strips at the park (credit all goes to Sara on that front). As I write this, I’m staring down a day filled with not one, not two, but three sports practices between my three oldest kids, all at different times. Whether we opt for a picnic dinner, something stashed in the freezer from earlier or some of our favorite grab-and-go meals, we have a few options to get us through.
Wholesome, Homemade Food for Air Travel
Aimée shared her tips that she learned after a trip to BlogHer Food that resulted in delayed flights and then again as she flew to Mexico from Montreal with her two young sons. In addition to tips on what to think about as you decide and a list of potential snacks to consider as you head for the airport, she also includes a recipe for Honey-Oat Cookies with Chocolate Coated Sunflower Seeds.
Taking Freezer Meals on The Road
If you aren’t planning to jump on a plane this summer, perhaps you’re heading out to see grandparents and other relatives for an extended stay. Jessica has meal ideas that travel well, so you will be able to contribute a meal or two once you’re there, and you’ll also be able to do something to show your appreciation to your hosts as well.
6 Ways to Eat Well, Spend Less While Camping
If you’re an outdoors lover and planning a trip out in the woods, you’ll definitely want to head over to Katie’s blog to read her tips on what to bring to eat well when you’re cooking over a campfire. With tips on how to pack your cooler to meal ideas and frugal solutions, you’ll be dining on more than s’mores and hot dogs this year.
Things to Do in Your Kitchen Before You Leave
With all this discussion on packing up and heading out, don’t forget about getting the house prepared for your absence. Mandi shares her tips on prepping the house before you go to avoid both food spoilage and stress.
Hot Weather Mealtime Solutions
In the dead of summer, the last thing you may want to do is slave over a hot stove or turn on the oven. Tammy has great mealtime solutions that will get you through to fall, with recipes for grilling, fresh salads and plenty of refreshing beverages.
Storing Food to Eat Well and Spend Less
After she demonstrated how not to store food last month, Alyssa’s back on track with an organized pantry just in time for summer.
What To Stock Up On This Season
Carrie shares her tips for what items we should be stocking up on during the summer season to make the most of our dollar. Seasonal produce is the obvious one, but she also shares what other sales you’ll see in the summer months that you won’t other times of the year. If you have pantry and storage space, these are perfect tips for filling some of those empty shelves.
I hope these ideas have given you a few ideas on how you can eat healthy and wholesome foods without breaking the bank this summer. Enjoy the next few months of vacations, swimming and laying in the sun!
Maris(In Good Taste) says
These are wonderful ideas and tips that will be so helpful to everyone.
marla says
I am loving this series…so helpful! We always pack our own food for travel too.
Michelle (What's Cooking with Kids) says
I love these posts – they are so helpful! xo
Jamie | My Baking Addiction says
Great ideas, Shaina. Loving the mealtime solutions for hot days!
Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction says
So many great tips! Love the great ideas for summertime meals in hot weather. I know my motivation to cook drops when the temperatures go up!
Dmarie says
thanks for this round-up. look forward to checking them out!!
Myca says
Great tips! We planned to have picnic this weekend and I will use your tips! Thanks for the post!